You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘monkey see, monkey do.’ But do you realize just how true this is? Your kids will copy you, whether you’re exercising each day and feeling fantastic, or whether you’re a heavy smoker. It doesn’t matter what you actually tell them to do. What matters is what you yourself do. Kids are far more likely to copy their parents.

With that in mind, here are 5 examples that you should be setting for your children.

Eating A Healthy, Balanced Diet

Starting off, it’s important to note that the food we put into our bodies can have a profound effect on our mental and physical health. Eating healthy foods will make you feel great, give you more energy, and keep your body healthy. If you eat junk food all day, you’re going to feel pretty sluggish. Teaching your kids to eat a balanced diet, mostly whole foods with a treat every so often is important. However, it’s important not to label foods ‘bad’, as this can start fostering a bad mindset around food from an early age.

Staying Active

Staying active can be tough if you lead a busy life, but making the time for it is crucial. Do you want your kids to be couch potatoes? Stay active together and you’ll bond as a family. When kids are active while they’re young, they find it easier and more enjoyable as they get older. Kids that didn’t exercise often grow up to be reluctant adults that say they don’t like exercise. Not always, but a lot of the time.

Doing Things You Really Enjoy

Working hard is great. It’s admirable, and you could teach your kids the importance of a great work ethic. However, you should be doing the things you really enjoy too. They are just as important, even though you’re not getting paid for them. Not only is this a must for a balanced life, you’ll get more enjoyment out of your life, too. You don’t want your kids to grow up thinking that a job is the only important thing in life! Their happiness should come first. Maybe you could try learning new songs with sites like Easyukulelesongs.com. Maybe you could get back into painting, or a hobby that you really used to love. Try new and old things. Have fun!

Communicating Properly

Kids learn their communication skills from you, so if you’re the passive-aggressive type or just the outright aggressive type, it can really affect them. Communication is about talking about things rationally and coming to a solution that everybody is happy with. Being able to talk things through calmly is important.

Self Love

If you don’t love yourself, how can you expect to love others? Loving yourself will teach your kids to love themselves, too. Self love isn’t selfish. It makes life far more enjoyable and ensures your kids don’t suffer from things like body image issues and confidence.